MIAMISBURG -- On June 3, 2011, Cpl. Paul Zanowick II died while serving as a U.S. Marine in Afghanistan.

The Marine graduated from Miamisburg High School where he also ran track.

The school honored Zonowick on Tuesday at a track meet.

His father, the elder Paul Zanowick, said it was like stepping into a time machine because the family had not been back to the school's track since Paul graduated in 2006.

Three of Paul's track teammates returned to line up in an empty man relay formation.

Teammate Michael Willey described Paul as someone who was very serious but also had a very fun side.

"That was the side I was fortunate enough to see," Willey said. "Paul was always a very determined and very driven individual. But at the same time he was always there to help you. And that's what made Paul one of my friends growing up."

The Marine's former track star echoed those sentiments.

"You never knew when he was going to come in with something funny," coach Melvin Johnson said. "He also would do anything for you and that's something that I'll remember."

It was a very emotional day for the Zanowick family. Paul said it "warmed his heart," for everything that Miamisburg did to honor his son.

The Marine Color Guard presented the colors for the national anthem.

During the track meet there was a battlefield cross in Zanowick's honor that was looked over by several Marines throughout the evening.

Pictures were on display as well as many other tokens in Paul's memory.

When talking about everything the school and team did for Paul his father said, "Paul's not forgotten, so many people will rejoice in his life a little bit and something he loved to do."

During his senior year the runner wore jersey number 603, coincidentally he graduated on June 3, 2006, but also was killed on June 3, 2011.Miamisburg Honors Graduate who Died Serving with Marines

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